2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (249 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2008 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2008 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Taurus | Esperante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
